Leaves curling on your pepper plants? Here's what to do

Red Section Separator Spicy exchange / 2023 Learn more

When the leaves of your pepper plants start to curl, it indicates that your plant is experiencing environmental stress. However, there’s no need to panic because, with prompt action, you can usually resolve the issue.

Cream Section Separator Pepper leaf curl Learn more

This story will help you diagnose the specific issue you're facing, and address the root cause so you can have healthy, thriving peppers!

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Water stress is one of the most common causes of leaf curl in peppers. Both over and underwatering can cause leaf curl, and overwatering can lead to edema which is an additional potential cause of leaf curl.

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Underwatering

Cream Section Separator Signs that underwatering is to blame for your issues: - Leaves curling downward - Soil is try to the touch, even 1-2" down What to do about it: This one is easy to fix! Simply water more often. You can also add mulch around the base of your plant to improve water retention. Learn more

Signs that overwatering is causing leaf curl: -Leaves curling upward - Stunted growth - Yellowing leaves What to do about it: - Decrease watering frequency - Add more drainage holes to containers - Transplant into better-draining soil

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Test your soil moisture

Cream Section Separator Monitoring your soil moisture will help you ensure that you aren't over or underwatering. You can get a soil moisture meter for under $15 on Amazon! Try to maintain a moisture level of 4-5 on average, and water once it drops to 3. *This is an affiliate link *This is an affiliate link Get a meter

Signs that your plant has edema: - In addition to leaf curl, there are tiny crystal-like blisters under the leaves What to do about it: - Decrease watering - Improve airflow by increasing spacing between plants or putting a fan on them

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Pest damage

Cream Section Separator Signs that pest damage may be to blame: - Insects are present on the underside of the leaves - Dark spots or yellowing on the leaves What to do about it: - Try squishing the bugs or spraying them off - Treat the plant with a natural insecticide like neem oil or DE Learn more

Calcium deficiency can cause leaf curl, but it's usually due to the pH of your soil rather than the nutrient content. Soil that is too acidic or too alkaline can both prevent the uptake of calcium.

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